Intro to Radiographic Interpretation

Question 1

At what ages do you usually get your molar teeth? (3)

Answer 1

1st - 6 YO

2nd - 12 YO

3rd - 18 YO

Question 2

When identifying teeth on a radiograph how should you go about this?

Answer 2

• Firstly identify the erupted and developing permanent teeth
• Then identify the deciduous dentition

Question 3

Where is a common place for supernumerary teeth?

Answer 3

• Between the central incisors on the midline

Question 4

What is a mesiodent?

Answer 4

A supernumerary tooth that is between the central incisors on the midline

Question 5

What are the 3 groups of teeth that are most likely to be congenitally absent?

Answer 5

• Incisors, cuspids and molars

- The last tooth in each one of the 3 groups is most likely to be absent

Question 6

Supernumerary teeth may look like normal teeth. What is the name for these teeth?

Answer 6

• Supplemental teeth

Question 7

What is the clinical evaluation report?

Answer 7

• Clinical evaluation of the outcome of each exposure is recorded in accordance with the employers procedures

Question 8

Where are the 3 common sites for caries?

Answer 8

• Pit and fissure
• Smooth surface
• Secondary/recurrent - under restorations

Question 9

Where would you find pit and fissure caries? (2)

Answer 9

• Occlusal

- Buccal (may be confused radiographically with occlusal)

Question 10

Where would you find smooth surface caries? (3)

Answer 10

• Interproximal
• Lingual (may be confused radiographically with occlusal and buccal)
• Root - may be confused with cervical burnout

Question 11

Where would you find secondary/recurrent caries?

Answer 11

• Under restorations

Question 12

What are the different methods of diagnosing caries? ( 7 )

Answer 12

• Visual
• Radiography
• Elective temporary tooth separation
• Fibreoptic transillumination
• Electrical methods
• Laser fluorescence
• Calcivis - detects calcium ion loss from demineralising tooth surfaces

Question 13

What are the visual ways of caries diagnosis? (2)

Answer 13

• Wet

- Dry

Question 14

What are the 2 types of radiography we can use to diagnose caries?

Answer 14

• Film

- Digital

Question 15

What does the spread of caries look like radiographically?

Answer 15

Cone shaped - broad at surface of enamel, point deeper, lateral spread on reaching dentine

Question 16

What is cervical burnout?

Answer 16

• Phenomenon caused by relative lower x-ray absorption on the mesial or distal aspect of teeth, between the edges of the enamel and the adjacent crest of the alveolar ridge. Because of the relative diminished x-ray absorption, these areas appear relatively radiolucent with ill-defined margins. Cervical burnout may mimic root surface caries

Question 17

What is radiography secondary to?

Answer 17

• Clinical examination and full mouth periodontal assessment

Question 18

If a periodontal assessment was taken and there was 4-5mm pocketing, what kind of radiograph would you take?

Answer 18

• Horizontal bitewings(long axis of the image is running horizontally - this is the standard)
• Should show you the bone levels

Question 19

If a periodontal assessment was taken and there was >6mm pocketing, what kind of radiograph would you take?

Answer 19

• Vertical bitewings + periapicals if bone not shown

Question 20

If the periodontal assessment is irregular what can y ou supplement them with?

Answer 20

• Periapicals

Question 21

What type of radiograph would you use for suspected perio/endo lesions?

Answer 21

Periapicals

Question 22

What are the optimal conditions for periodontal radiography? (6)

Answer 22

• If panoramic choose orthogonal projection
• Beam angulation crucial
• Horizontal angle 90 degrees to the line arch (avoid overlap of adjacent teeth)
• Vertical angle 90 degrees to the long axis of the tooth
• Pockets may be difficult to show - consider GP point
• Clinical pocked depth examination crucial

Question 23

If perio pockets may be difficult to show on a radiograph what might be helpful to use?

Answer 23

• Consider a gutta perca point